Variaciones en el perfil clínico y pronóstico de las hemorragias intracerebrales no traumáticas (1986-2004) / Trends in risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis in primary intracerebral haemorrhage (1986-2004)

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar las variaciones de los factores de riesgo y el perfil clínico de las hemorragias intracerebrales no traumáticas (HIC) entre 1986 y 2004 a partir del registro de ictus del Hospital del Sagrat Cor, y comparar los datos de las HIC con los de los infartos cerebrales. Pacientes y método: Estudio hospitalario de 380 pacientes consecutivos con HIC y 2.082 pacientes con infarto cerebral. Se efectúa un análisis comparativo de las tendencias y variaciones clínicas observadas entre los períodos 1986-1992, 1993-1998 y 1999-2004. Resultados: La edad se incrementó significativamente (p < 0,001) durante los 3 períodos de estudio y se observó un aumento significativo en la frecuencia de fibrilación auricular, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y de topografía cerebral lobular. El uso de la resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral también aumentó de forma significativa a través del período de estudio. En comparación con los infartos cerebrales, en las HIC fue más frecuente la mortalidad hospitalaria (28,2 frente al 12%) y menos habituales la presencia de un síndrome lacunar (9,5 frente al 31,4%) y la ausencia de sintomatología neurológica al alta hospitalaria (6,1 frente al 18,3%). Conclusiones: Se observan variaciones clínicas significativas durante dicho período de tiempo de 19 años, con un incremento en la edad de presentación, en la frecuencia de fibrilación auricular y EPOC y en el uso de la RM cerebral. La HIC constituye un subtipo de ictus grave con una mayor mortalidad precoz y una menor frecuencia de ausencia de sintomatología al alta hospitalaria en comparación con los infartos cerebrales (AU)

Background and objectives: Cardiovascular risk factors, clinical features and early outcome of first-ever primary intracerebral haemorrhage (PIH) from 1986 to 2004 using the Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry were assessed, and compared with data from patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. Patients and methods: The study population consisted of 380 patients with PIH and 2,082 patients with ischemic stroke. Secular trends for the periods 1986-1992, 1993-1998 and 1999-2004 were analyzed. Results: Age increased significantly (P < .001) throughout the 3 study periods and there was a significant increase in the percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lobar topography. The use of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also increased significantly throughout the study periods. In comparison with ischemic stroke in-hospital death was more frequent (28,2 vs. 12%) and lacunar syndrome (9,5 vs. 31,4%) and symptom-free patients at discharge were less frequent in the intracerebral haemorrhage group (6,1 vs. 18,3%). Conclusions: Significant changes over a 19-year period included an increase in the patient's age, frequency of COPD and atrial fibrillation and use of MRI imaging studies. PIH is a severe subtype of stroke with a higher risk of early death and lower asymptomatic frequency at discharge than ischemic cerebral infarct (AU)

[Trends in risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis in primary intracerebral haemorrhage (1986-2004)]. / Variaciones en el perfil clínico y pronóstico de las hemorragias intracerebrales no traumáticas (1986-2004).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular risk factors, clinical features and early outcome of first-ever primary intracerebral haemorrhage (PIH) from 1986 to 2004 using the Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry were assessed, and compared with data from patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 380 patients with PIH and 2,082 patients with ischemic stroke. Secular trends for the periods 1986-1992, 1993-1998 and 1999-2004 were analyzed. RESULTS: Age increased significantly (P<.001) throughout the 3 study periods and there was a significant increase in the percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lobar topography. The use of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also increased significantly throughout the study periods. In comparison with ischemic stroke in-hospital death was more frequent (28,2 vs. 12%) and lacunar syndrome (9,5 vs. 31,4%) and symptom-free patients at discharge were less frequent in the intracerebral haemorrhage group (6,1 vs. 18,3%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes over a 19-year period included an increase in the patient's age, frequency of COPD and atrial fibrillation and use of MRI imaging studies. PIH is a severe subtype of stroke with a higher risk of early death and lower asymptomatic frequency at discharge than ischemic cerebral infarct.

Hemorragia intracerebral no traumática recurrente: estudio de 28 pacientes / Relapsing non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage: study of 28 patients

Fundamento y objetivo. Analizar las características demográficas, pronósticas y el perfil clínico relacionado con las hemorragias intracerebrales no traumáticas recurrentes (HCR). Pacientes y método. Estudio hospitalario descriptivo de 28 pacientes consecutivos ingresados durante un período de 19 años por presentar HCR. Se efectúa una comparación con 380 pacientes con una primera hemorragia intracerebral no traumática. Resultados. Las HCR representan el 6,8% del total de hemorragias intracerebrales primarias. Las HCR fueron mayoritariamente lobulares (67,9%). Otras topografías incluyen: el talámo (10,7%), la región capsuloganglionar (7,1%), la zona intraventricular (3,6%) y la topografía múltiple (10,7%). Aunque las HCR tienen mal pronóstico evolutivo, este no es peor en comparación con el de las primeras hemorragias cerebrales primarias, tanto por su elevada mortalidad hospitalaria (17,9 frente al 28,2%), como por su baja frecuencia de ausencia de limitación al alta hospitalaria (3,6 frente al 6,1%). El perfil clínico significativamente asociado con las HCR fue: presencia de valvulopatía (odds ratio [OR] 5,32; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 1,45-19,47), la topografía lobular (OR 3,53; IC 95% 1,53-8,13) y la presencia de náuseas y vómitos (OR 2,43; IC 95% 1,06-5,52). Conclusiones. Las HCR constituyen menos de una décima parte de las hemorragias intracerebrales no traumáticas ingresadas en el Servicio de Neurología, siendo más frecuentes las localizadas en los lóbulos cerebrales. Aunque su pronóstico es grave, este no es peor -durante su fase aguda- que el de las primeras hemorragias intracerebrales. Las HCR presentan un perfil clínico propio y diferenciado(AU)

Background and objetive. To characterize the clinical factors and prognosis and identify determinants of hemorrhage recurrence (HCR) in patients with acute non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Patients and method. Stroke patterns were studied in 28 consecutive recurrent non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage patients admitted to the Department of Neurology of the Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona for a 19 year period. Demographic, risk factors, clinical, neuroimaging and outcome variables were analyzed and compared with patients with first-ever non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (n=380) to identify predictors of hemorrhage recurrence. Significant variables were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. HCR accounted for 6.8% of all patients with acute consecutive non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages. The HCR were mostly lobar (67.9%). Other topographies include: thalamus (10.7%), capsule-ganglionar (7.1%), intraventricular (3.6%) and multiple topographies (10.7%). Although the HCR have poor prognosis, it is not worse compared to the first-ever intracerebral hemorrhages, both at the high hospital mortality (17.9 vs. 28.2%) as the low frequency of absence of limitation at discharge (3.6 vs. 6.1%). The clinical profile significantly associated with HCR was: valvular heart disease (odds ratio [OR] 5.32; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.45-19.47), lobar topography (OR 3.53, 95% IC 1.53-8.13), and the presence of nausea and vomiting (OR 2.43, 95% IC 1.06-5.52). Conclusions. HCR constitute less than one tenth of non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages and are most commonly located in the brain lobes. Although the prognosis is serious, this is no worse during the acute phase, than of the first-ever non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages. Clinical profiles were different in recurrent non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage patients when compared to first-ever non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage patients(AU)

Trends in clinical features and early outcome in patients with acute cardioembolic stroke subtype over a 19-year period.

OBJECTIVES: To assess changing trends in clinical characteristics and early outcome of patients with acute cardioembolic stroke (ACS) over a 19-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 575 patients with first-ever ACS included in the Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry were analyzed. Changing trends for 1986-1992, 1993-1998, and 1999-2004 periods were compared. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase (P < 0.001) in the age of patients (74.6 years in 1986-1992 vs. 81.4 years in 1999-2004) and the percentage of patients older than 85 years of age (16% vs. 38.2%) was observed. Patients with hypertension increased from 40.5 to 60.8% (P = 0.001) as were patients with diabetes, chronic bronchitis, and obesity (P = NS). The median length of hospital stay decreased from 18 to 12 days (P = 0.031) and prolonged hospital stay (>12 days) from 18.3 to 13.1 (P = 0.033). In-hospital death rate remained around 20%. CONCLUSIONS: ACS continues to be a severe ischemic stroke subtype with high risk of in-hospital death. The lack of improvement in the early prognosis over a 19-year period may be explained by an increase in the prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors and progressive aging of the population.

[Relapsing non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage: study of 28 patients]. / Hemorragia intracerebral no traumática recurrente: estudio de 28 pacientes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical factors and prognosis and identify determinants of hemorrhage recurrence (HCR) in patients with acute non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Stroke patterns were studied in 28 consecutive recurrent non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage patients admitted to the Department of Neurology of the Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona for a 19 year period. Demographic, risk factors, clinical, neuroimaging and outcome variables were analyzed and compared with patients with first-ever non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (n=380) to identify predictors of hemorrhage recurrence. Significant variables were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: HCR accounted for 6.8% of all patients with acute consecutive non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages. The HCR were mostly lobar (67.9%). Other topographies include: thalamus (10.7%), capsule-ganglionar (7.1%), intraventricular (3.6%) and multiple topographies (10.7%). Although the HCR have poor prognosis, it is not worse compared to the first-ever intracerebral hemorrhages, both at the high hospital mortality (17.9 vs. 28.2%) as the low frequency of absence of limitation at discharge (3.6 vs. 6.1%). The clinical profile significantly associated with HCR was: valvular heart disease (odds ratio [OR] 5.32; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.45-19.47), lobar topography (OR 3.53, 95% IC 1.53-8.13), and the presence of nausea and vomiting (OR 2.43, 95% IC 1.06-5.52). CONCLUSIONS: HCR constitute less than one tenth of non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages and are most commonly located in the brain lobes. Although the prognosis is serious, this is no worse during the acute phase, than of the first-ever non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages. Clinical profiles were different in recurrent non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage patients when compared to first-ever non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage patients.

Nineteen-year trends in risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis in lacunar infarcts.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular risk factors, clinical features and early outcome of first-ever cerebral lacunar infarcts from 1986 to 2004, using the Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry, were assessed and compared with data from patients with nonlacunar infarction. METHODS: The study population consisted of 566 patients with lacunar infarct and 1,516 patients with nonlacunar infarct. Secular trends for the periods 1986-1992, 1993-1998 and 1999-2004 were analyzed. RESULTS: Age and the percentage of very old patients (≥85 years old) increased significantly (p < 0.001) throughout the time period. There was a significant decrease in the percentage of patients with hypertension, but the percentage of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increased. The use of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also increased significantly. The median length of hospital stay decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes over a 19-year period included an increase in the patients' age, frequency of very old patients (≥85 years old) and use of MRI studies, whereas the frequency of hypertension and length of hospital stay decreased.

Pretreatment with statins improves early outcome in patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke: a pleiotropic effect of statins or a beneficial effect of hypercholesterolemia?

BACKGROUND: Data from different studies suggest a favourable association between pretreatment with statins or hypercholesterolemia and outcome after ischaemic stroke. We examined whether there were differences in in-hospital mortality according to the presence or absence of statin therapy in a large population of first-ever ischaemic stroke patients and assessed the influence of statins upon early death and spontaneous neurological recovery. METHODS: In 2,082 consecutive patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke collected from a prospective hospital-based stroke registry during a period of 19 years (1986-2004), statin use or hypercholesterolemia before stroke was documented in 381 patients. On the other hand, favourable outcome defined as grades 0-2 in the modified Rankin scale was recorded in 382 patients. RESULTS: Early outcome was better in the presence of statin therapy or hypercholesterolemia (cholesterol levels were not measured) with significant differences between the groups with and without pretreatment with statins in in-hospital mortality (6% vs 13.3%, P = 0.001) and symptom-free (22% vs 17.5%, P = 0.025) and severe functional limitation (6.6% vs 11.5%, P = 0.002) at hospital discharge, as well as lower rates of infectious respiratory complications during hospitalization. In the logistic regression model, statin therapy was the only variable inversely associated with in-hospital death (odds ratio 0.57) and directly associated with favourable outcome (odds ratio 1.32). CONCLUSIONS: Use of statins or hypercholesterolemia before first-ever ischaemic stroke was associated with better early outcome with a reduced mortality during hospitalization and neurological disability at hospital discharge. However, statin therapy may increase the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage, particularly in the setting of thrombolysis.

Mortalidad hospitalaria en los infartos isquémicos de la arteria cerebral media: estudio de 1.355 pacientes / In-hospital mortality in middle cerebral artery infarcts: Clinical study of 1355 patients

Pacientes y método: Se estudian 1.355 pacientes consecutivos con infartos de la arteria cerebral media incluidos en el registro de ictus del «Hospital del Sagrat Cor de Barcelona». Se comparan variables demográficas, factores de riesgo, variables clínicas y evolutivas entre los pacientes que fallecen y los que sobreviven. El valor predictor independiente de cada variable relacionada con la mortalidad hospitalaria se analizó mediante un análisis de regresión logística utilizando 2 modelos predictores. El primer modelo estaba basado en datos demograficos, factores de riesgo y datos clínicos, con un total de 14 variables. El segundo modelo estaba basado en datos demográficos, factores de riesgo, datos clínicos y evolutivos, con un total de 20 variables. Resultados: Durante el ingreso hospitalario fallecieron 235 pacientes (17,3%). Las crisis comiciales precoces (OR=4,49; IC del 95%: 1,77–11,40), la edad mayor de 85 años (OR=2,61; IC del 95%: 1,88–2,60), la fibrilación auricular (OR=2,57; IC del 95%: 1,89–3,49), el deficit motor (OR=2,55; IC del 95%: 1,40–4,66), la insuficiencia cardiaca (OR=2,33; IC del 95%: 1,43–3,80) y el déficit sensitivo (OR=2,29; IC del 95%: 1,68–3,12) consituyeron factores predictores independientes de mortalidad hospitalaria en el primer modelo. Junto a dichas variables, las complicaciones cardiacas (OR=5,50: IC del 95%: 3,21–9,40), vasculares (OR=3,74; IC del 95%: 1,58–8,85), el infarto cerebral previo (OR=1,89: IC del 95%: 1,27–2,80), las infecciones (OR=1,82; IC del 95%; 1,27–2,61), y los infartos lacunares (OR=0,02; IC del 95%: 0,01–0,17), constituyeron variables pronósticas independientes relacionadas con la mortalidad hospitalaria en el segundo modelo (AU)

Background and objectives: To determine clinical predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with middle cerebral artery infarcts (MCAI).Patients and methods: Data from 1.355 patients with MCAI were obtained from consecutive strokes included in the “Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry”. Demographic, clinical, neuroimaging and outcome variables in the subgroup of patients who died were compared with those in the surviving subgroup. The independent predictive value of each variable on the development of death was assessed with a logistic regression analysis. Two predictive models were constructed. A first model was based on demographic, risk factors and clinical variables (total 14 variables). A second model was based on demographic, risk factors, clinical and outcome variables (total 20). Results: In-hospital death was observed in 235 patients (17.3%). Early seizures (OR=4,49; CI 95%: 1,77–11,40), 85 years old or more (OR=2,61; CI 95%: 1,88–2,60), atrial fibrillation (OR=2,57; CI 95%: 1,89–3,49), limb weakness (OR=2,55; CI 95%: 1,40–4,66), cardiac heart disease (OR=2,33; CI 95%: 1,43–3,80) and sensory symptoms (OR=2,29; CI 95%: 1,68–3,12) appeared to be independent prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality in the first predictive model. In addition to these variables, cardiac complications (OR=5,50: CI 95%: 3,21–9,40), peripheral vascular complications (OR=3,74; CI 95%: 1,58–8,85), previous cerebral infarct (OR=1,89: CI 95%: 1,27–2,80), infections (OR=1,82; CI 95%; 1,27–2,61), and lacunar infarcts (OR=0,02; CI 95%: 0,01–0,17), appeared to be independent prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality in the second model. Conclusions: Clinical features easily obtained at the patient's bedside help clinicians to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with MCAI. Early seizures and age 85 years old or more, were the main clinical predictors of in-hospital mortality (AU)

Clinical predictors of lacunar syndrome not due to lacunar infarction.

BACKGROUND: Lacunar syndrome not due to lacunar infarct is poorly characterised. This single centre, retrospective study was conducted to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with lacunar syndrome not due to lacunar infarct and to identify clinical predictors of this variant of lacunar stroke. METHODS: A total of 146 patients with lacunar syndrome not due to lacunar infarction were included in the "Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry" during a period of 19 years (1986-2004). Data from stroke patients are entered in the stroke registry following a standardized protocol with 161 items regarding demographics, risk factors, clinical features, laboratory and neuroimaging data, complications and outcome. The characteristics of these 146 patients with lacunar syndrome not due to lacunar infarct were compared with those of the 733 patients with lacunar infarction. RESULTS: Lacunar syndrome not due to lacunar infarct accounted for 16.6% (146/879) of all cases of lacunar stroke. Subtypes of lacunar syndromes included pure motor stroke in 63 patients, sensorimotor stroke in 51, pure sensory stroke in 14, atypical lacunar syndrome in 9, ataxic hemiparesis in 5 and dysarthria-clumsy hand in 4. Valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, sudden onset, limb weakness and sensory symptoms were significantly more frequent among patients with lacunar syndrome not due to lacunar infarct than in those with lacunar infarction, whereas diabetes was less frequent. In the multivariate analysis, atrial fibrillation (OR = 4.62), sensorimotor stroke (OR = 4.05), limb weakness (OR = 2.09), sudden onset (OR = 2.06) and age (OR = 0.96) were independent predictors of lacunar syndrome not due to lacunar infarct. CONCLUSIONS: Although lacunar syndromes are highly suggestive of small deep cerebral infarctions, lacunar syndromes not due to lacunar infarcts are found in 16.6% of cases. The presence of sensorimotor stroke, limb weakness and sudden onset in a patient with atrial fibrillation should alert the clinician to the possibility of a lacunar syndrome not due to a lacunar infarct.

[In-hospital mortality in middle cerebral artery infarcts: clinical study of 1355 patients]. / Mortalidad hospitalaria en los infartos isquémicos de la arteria cerebral media: estudio de 1,355 pacientes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine clinical predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with middle cerebral artery infarcts (MCAI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 1.355 patients with MCAI were obtained from consecutive strokes included in the "Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry". Demographic, clinical, neuroimaging and outcome variables in the subgroup of patients who died were compared with those in the surviving subgroup. The independent predictive value of each variable on the development of death was assessed with a logistic regression analysis. Two predictive models were constructed. A first model was based on demographic, risk factors and clinical variables (total 14 variables). A second model was based on demographic, risk factors, clinical and outcome variables (total 20). RESULTS: In-hospital death was observed in 235 patients (17.3%). Early seizures (OR=4.49; CI 95%: 1.77-11.40), 85 years old or more (OR=2.61; CI 95%: 1.88-2.60), atrial fibrillation (OR=2.57; CI 95%: 1.89-3.49), limb weakness (OR=2.55; CI 95%: 1.40-4.66), cardiac heart disease (OR=2.33; CI 95%: 1.43-3.80) and sensory symptoms (OR=2.29; CI 95%: 1.68-3.12) appeared to be independent prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality in the first predictive model. In addition to these variables, cardiac complications (OR=5.50: CI 95%: 3.21-9.40), peripheral vascular complications (OR=3.74; CI 95%: 1.58-8.85), previous cerebral infarct (OR=1.89: CI 95%: 1.27-2.80), infections (OR=1.82; CI 95%; 1.27-2.61), and lacunar infarcts (OR=0.02; CI 95%: 0.01-0.17), appeared to be independent prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality in the second model. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical features easily obtained at the patient's bedside help clinicians to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with MCAI. Early seizures and age 85 years old or more, were the main clinical predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Importancia del perfil cardiovascular en la mortalidad hospitalaria de los infartos cerebrales / Importance of cardiovascular risk profile for in-hospital mortality due to cerebral infarction

Introducción y objetivos. Analizar el perfil cardiovascular y su pronóstico en los infartos cerebrales y sus subtipos etiológicos. Métodos. Se efectúa un análisis retrospectivo de una serie clínica de 2.704 pacientes con infartos cerebrales procedentes de un registro hospitalario de ictus ingresados entre 1986 y 2004 (770 trombóticos, 763 cardioembólicos, 733 lacunares, 324 indeterminados y 114 inhabituales). Se compara el perfil cardiovascular de cada subtipo etiológico y su influencia con la mortalidad hospitalaria mediante un análisis multivariable. Resultados. La hipertensión arterial (HTA) se presentó en el 55,5%, seguida por la fibrilación auricular (FA) (29,8%) y la diabetes mellitus (23,4%). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 12,9% y estaba relacionada con la FA (odds ratio [OR] = 2,33; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,84-2,96) y la insuficiencia cardiaca (OR = 1,96; IC del 95%, 1,33-2,89). El perfil cardiovascular asociado a la mortalidad estaba formado en los trombóticos, por la insuficiencia cardiaca (OR = 2,87; IC del 95%, 1,45-5,71), la FA (OR = 1,80; IC del 95%, 1,09-2,96) y la edad (OR = 1,06; IC del 95%, 1,04-1,08); en los cardioembólicos, por la enfermedad vascular periférica (OR = 2,18; IC del 95%, 1,17-4,05), el infarto cerebral previo (OR = 1,75; IC del 95%, 1,16-2,63), la insuficiencia cardiaca (OR = 1,71; IC del 95%, 1,01-2,90) y la edad (OR = 1,06; IC del 95%, 1,04-1,08), y en los infartos indeterminados, por la HTA (OR = 3,68; IC del 95%, 1,78-7,62) y la edad (OR = 1,05; IC del 95%, 1,01-1,09). Conclusiones. Cada subtipo etiológico de infarto cerebral presenta un perfil cardiovascular propio. El perfil cardiovascular asociado a la mortalidad también es diferente en cada subtipo de infarto cerebral. Palabras clave: Isquemia cerebral. Factores de riesgo. Mortalidad. Hipertensión arterial. Fibrilación auricular. Registros de ictus (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To investigate cardiovascular risk profiles and their prognostic implications in patients with different subtypes of cerebral infarction. Methods. The study involved the retrospective analysis of data from a hospital stroke registry on 2704 consecutive CI patients who were admitted between 1986 and 2004. Of the 2704 strokes recorded, 770 were classified as thrombotic, 763 as cardioembolic, 733 as lacunar, 324 as undetermined, and 114 as atypical. Multivariate analysis was used to compare cardiovascular risk profiles in each subtype and their influence on inhospital mortality. Results. Arterial hypertension (AH) was present in 55.5%, atrial fibrillation (AF) in 29.8%, and diabetes mellitus in 23.4%. The in-hospital mortality rate was 12.9%, and in-hospital mortality was independently associated with AF (odds ratio [OR]=2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84-2.96), and heart failure (HF) (OR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.33-2.89). In patients with thrombotic stroke, the cardiovascular risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality were HF (OR=2.87; 95% CI, 1.45-5.71), AF (OR=1.80; 95% CI, 1.09-2.96) and age (OR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.08). In patients with cardioembolic stroke, they were peripheral vascular disease (OR=2.18; 95% CI, 1.17-4.05), previous cerebral infarction (OR=1.75; 95% CI, 1.16-2.63), HF (OR=1.71; 95% CI, 1.01-2.90), and age (OR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.08). In those with undetermined stroke, they were AH (OR=3.68; 95% CI, 1.78-7.62) and age (OR=1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09). Conclusions. Each cerebral infarction etiologic subtype was associated with its own cardiovascular risk profile. Consequently, the cardiovascular risk factors associated with mortality were also different for each ischemic stroke subtype (AU)

Trends in risk factors, stroke subtypes and outcome. Nineteen-year data from the Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona stroke registry.

BACKGROUND: Prospective stroke registries allow analyzing important aspects of the natural history of acute cerebrovascular events. Using the Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry, we aimed to determine trends in risk factors, stroke subtypes, prognosis and in-hospital mortality over 19 years in hospitalized stroke patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of 2,416 first-ever stroke patients (ischemic stroke, n = 2,028; intracerebral hemorrhage, n = 334) included in the stroke registry up to December 31, 2004. Temporal trends in stroke patient characteristics for the periods 1986-1992, 1993-1998 and 1999-2004 were assessed. RESULTS: Age was significantly different among the analyzed periods (p < 0.001), showing an increment in older patients throughout time. Hypertension (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.004), ischemic heart disease (p = 0.002) and atrial fibrillation increased (p = 0.000) as opposed to heavy smoking (p = 0.000) and history of TIA (p = 0.025). The mortality rate and the length of hospital stay decreased (p = 0.001), whereas transfer to convalescent/rehabilitation units increased (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An improvement in acute-stroke management and possibly evolution of cerebrovascular risk factors is reflected by changes in the risk factors and outcome of first-ever stroke patients admitted to a stroke unit over a 19-year time span.

Importance of cardiovascular risk profile for in-hospital mortality due to cerebral infarction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate cardiovascular risk profiles and their prognostic implications in patients with different subtypes of cerebral infarction. METHODS: The study involved the retrospective analysis of data from a hospital stroke registry on 2704 consecutive CI patients who were admitted between 1986 and 2004. Of the 2704 strokes recorded, 770 were classified as thrombotic, 763 as cardioembolic, 733 as lacunar, 324 as undetermined and 114 as atypical. Multivariate analysis was used to compare cardiovascular risk profiles in each subtype and their influence on inhospital mortality. RESULTS: Arterial hypertension (AH) was present in 55.5%, atrial fibrillation (AF) in 29.8%, and diabetes mellitus in 23.4%. The in-hospital mortality rate was 12.9%, and in-hospital mortality was independently associated with AF (odds ratio [OR]=2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84-2.96), and heart failure (HF) (OR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.33-2.89). In patients with thrombotic stroke, the cardiovascular risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality were HF (OR=2.87; 95% CI, 1.45-5.71), AF (OR=1.80; 95% CI, 1.09-2.96) and age (OR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.08). In patients with cardioembolic stroke, they were peripheral vascular disease (OR=2.18; 95% CI, 1.17-4.05), previous cerebral infarction (OR=1.75; 95% CI, 1.16-2.63), HF (OR=1.71; 95% CI, 1.01-2.90), and age (OR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.08). In those with undetermined stroke, they were AH (OR=3.68; 95% CI, 1.78-7.62) and age (OR=1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09). CONCLUSIONS: Each cerebral infarction etiologic subtype was associated with its own cardiovascular risk profile. Consequently, the cardiovascular risk factors associated with mortality were also different for each ischemic stroke subtype.

Mild cognitive impairment after lacunar infarction: voxel-based morphometry and neuropsychological assessment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there were differences in neuroradiological features, including white-matter lesions and gray-matter volumes, between patients with lacunar infarction with and without mild cognitive impairment of the vascular type (MCI-V). METHODS: A total of 40 patients with lacunar infarction were studied within 1 month after stroke. RESULTS: MCI-V was found in 22 patients, who in comparison with patients without cognitive impairment were significantly older and had fewer years of formal education. MRI subcortical hyperintensities especially in the basal ganglia (putamen and thalamus) were significantly more frequent in the MCI-V group. In the voxel-based morphometric study, patients with MCI-V showed more atrophy bilaterally in the middle temporal gyrus, right and left frontal and posterior bilateral occipitoparietal regions including the posterior cingulate as well as in the cerebellum. A region of interest analysis restricted to the parahippocampi and hippocampi showed further reduced bilateral parahippocampal gyrus and right hippocampus volume reductions in this group of patients. Finally, the amount of white-matter lesions among MCI-V showed negative correlations with gray-matter volume in frontal and temporal areas as well as with the thalamus and mesencephalon. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings provide support for an anatomical substrate of the MCI entity in patients with lacunar infarction. Both gray- and white-matter changes seem to contribute to the cognitive impairment of such patients.

Clinical implications of headache in lacunar stroke: relevance of site of infarct.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the infarction topography influenced upon the incidence of headache and the likelihood of neurological recovery in lacunar infarction. BACKGROUND: The relationship between topography of infarction and the incidence of headache as well as the influence of headache on neurological outcome in patients with lacunar stroke are still unclear. METHODS: In a cohort of 387 patients with neuroimaging-proven acute lacunar infarction collected from a prospective hospital-based stroke registry over a 12-year period, 43 patients (11.1%) presented with headache within a 72-hour interval of stroke onset. RESULTS: Headache was more common in deep brain gray matter or brainstem lacunar infarction than in supratentorial white matter lacunar infarction (14.9% vs 8%, P < .033), but lacunar infarctions in the supratentorial white matter had less frequently absence of limitation at discharge (15.1% vs 25.1%, P < .013). In deep brain gray matter or brainstem lacunar infarction, early neurological recovery decreased from 26.2% to 19.2% when headache was present at stroke onset. In the multivariate analysis, dysarthria-clumsy hand and absence of headache in deep brain gray matter or brainstem lacunar infarction were independent predictors of favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with lacunar infarction, headache at stroke onset was more common in deep brain gray matter or brainstem topographies than in supratentorial white matter lesions. In deep brain gray matter or brainstem lacunar infarctions, early neurological recovery was less likely when headache was present.

Stroke-related headache: a clinical study in lacunar infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of headache related to lacunar stroke based on data collected from a prospective hospital-based stroke registry over a 12-year period. Demographics, clinical variables, and prognostic features of lacunar stroke in patients with and without headache are compared. BACKGROUND: Stroke-related headache has been largely investigated, but there is little clinical data on headache in individualized stroke subtypes. METHODS: The cohort of 484 patients with lacunar infarction was selected. Forty-five (9.3%) presented headache within a 72-hour interval of stroke onset. Predictors of lacunar infarction with headache were assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The intensity of headache was mild in severity and poorly localized (diffuse or bilateral headache). Tension-type headache was present in 36 patients (80%) and 9 patients (20%) presented nausea or vomiting while experiencing mild pulsating pain. The frequency of headache was 17% in patients with atypical lacunar syndrome, 12% in dysarthria-clumsy hand, 11.5% in pure sensory stroke, 9.4% in sensorimotor stroke, and 7.1% in pure motor hemiparesis. When patients with lacunar infarction with and without headache were compared, female sex, diabetes mellitus, nausea and vomiting, and mesencephalic topography were significantly more frequent and dysarthria and frequency of symptom free at discharge were less frequent in the headache group. In the multivariate analysis, mesencephalic topography (odds ratio [OR] 16.62), nausea and vomiting (OR 13.27), sex female (OR 2.29), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.96), and age (OR 0.95) were predictors of lacunar infarction with headache. CONCLUSIONS: Headache at the onset of a lacunar infarction is uncommon. Mesencephalic topography, nausea and vomiting, female sex, diabetes, and age were independent variables significantly associated with lacunar infarction with headache. These findings contribute to knowledge of stroke-related headache in patients with lacunes.

Acute isolated capsular stroke. A clinical study of 148 cases.

The objectives of the study were to assess differential features between capsular stroke of ischemic and hemorrhagic origin, and to compare capsular strokes with all other (non-capsular) strokes. Data of 148 patients with isolated capsular stroke were collected from a prospective hospital-based stroke registry in which 2000 consecutive acute stroke patients were included. Isolated capsular stroke accounted for 8.4% of strokes included in the registry (8.4% of ischemic strokes and 10.5% of intracerebral hemorrhages). Capsular stroke of hemorrhagic origin (n = 24) was more severe than ischemic capsular stroke (n = 124) as determined by a significantly higher in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and lower number of patients free of functional deficit at discharge. After multivariate analysis, limb weakness, sudden onset, and sensory symptoms were independently associated with capsular hemorrhage, whereas pure motor hemiparesis appeared to be associated with capsular infarction. In summary, one of each 12 patients with acute ischemic stroke and one of each 10 patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage had an isolated capsular stroke. Lacunar syndrome was the most frequent clinical presentation being more common (particularly pure motor hemiparesis) in ischemic than in hemorrhagic capsular stroke. Capsular hemorrhage and capsular infarction showed identical risk factor profiles suggesting the same underlying vascular pathology for both conditions.

Clinical study of 99 patients with pure sensory stroke.

OBJECTIVE: We report a clinical description of pure sensory stroke based on data collected from a prospective acute stroke registry. METHODS: From 2500 acute stroke patients included in a hospital-based prospective stroke registry over a 12-year period, 99 were identified as having pure sensory stroke. RESULTS: Pure sensory stroke accounted for 4.7% of all acute stroke patients, 5.4% of acute ischemic stroke, and 17.4% of lacunar syndromes. Complete hemisensory syndrome was present in 80 patients and incomplete hemisensory syndrome in 19 (cheiro-oral syndrome 12, cheiro-oral-pedal 6, isolated oral syndrome 1). The lacunar hypothesis was fulfilled in 88% of patients. Atherothrombotic infarction occurred in 8 patients, intracerebral hemorrhage in 3, and stroke of undetermined cause in 1. Hemorrhagic pure sensory stroke was diagnosed in 1% of all cases of hemorrhagic stroke (n = 270) in the database. Outcome was good (in-hospital mortality 0%, symptom-free at discharge 41.5%). After multivariate analysis, absence of disability at discharge, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and thalamic (56.5%) and corona radiata (4%) locations were clinical and topographic variables significantly associated with pure sensory stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Pure sensory stroke is an infrequent cerebrovascular syndrome, in which the lacunar hypothesis is supported. Most patients had thalamic lacunar infarction. Incomplete hemisensory syndromes were also caused by a lacunar infarct in 84% of patients. Hemorrhagic pure sensory stroke accounted only for 3% of the cases. The prognosis is good with striking similarity to other lacunar strokes. There are important differences between pure sensory stroke and nonlacunar strokes.

Ischemic stroke in patients with intermittent claudication: a clinical study of 142 cases.

The clinical features, risk factors, neuroimaging findings, and outcome of acute ischemic stroke were assessed in patients with intermittent claudication. Data from 142 patients with ischemic stroke and intermittent claudication were collected from a prospective hospital-based stroke registry in which 2500 consecutive acute stroke patients attended over a 12-year period. Ischemic stroke in patients with intermittent claudication accounted for 7.7% of all ischemic strokes (n = 1840). Ischemic stroke with and without intermittent claudication showed a similar in-hospital mortality rate (16% vs 14%) and absence of functional limitation at hospital discharge (20.5% vs 18.5%). Ischemic stroke patients with intermittent claudication showed a significantly shorter length of stay than patients without symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (14.6 vs 18.8 days, p < 0.05). Ischemic heart disease, transient ischemic attack (TIA), renal dysfunction, and watershed infarct were significant independent predictors of ischemic stroke in patients with intermittent claudication. Although cerebral infarction in patients with intermittent claudication showed a clinical profile suggestive of poor outcome, the prognosis was similar to that of ischemic stroke without intermittent claudication.